US concerned over Pak security situation

WASHINGTON - The United States has expressed concern over the security situation in Pakistan, "an important (US) partner", saying it is in talks with Islamabad to build the country's capacity to fight the growing terrorist threat.

"We are concerned about (security situation), the Pakistani Government is concerned about it, because its citizens, in fact, have been affected by it more than anyone," State Department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf told daily press briefing in response to a question by an Indian journalist. "And we have a constant dialogue with the Pakistani Government on counterterrorism efforts and building their capacity to fight this threat," she added.

Harf also said that both Pakistan and India are important allies in its endeavour to bring peace and stability in strife-torn Afghanistan.

"We appreciate Pakistan's efforts to further Afghan-led reconciliation. Pakistan is obviously an important partner in supporting a secure and stable Afghanistan, which is vital to the security of the region," she told reporters.

"But I would say the same thing about India that India is also an important partner in supporting a stable and secure region, including in Afghanistan," Harf said.